House, Senate Delay Action On Farm Bill

Caught up in a partisan fight, the House failed to bring a major overhaul of farm programs up for a vote Thursday. The Senate began work on a compromise but put off any votes until next week.

Despite last-ditch efforts by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., House members decided to go on a planned four-week break Thursday without a vote. For farmers, this means no government guidance for the planting season, which starts this month in parts of the South.

Republicans and Democrats were still haggling over details, forcing the delay until next Tuesday.